Mr. Bojangles

Knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes
Silver hair, ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
And he jumped so high, he jumps so high
Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

I met him in a cell in New Orleans, it was
Down and out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age as he
He spoke right out
And he talked about life, he talked of life
He laughed, slapped his leg and stepped

He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants and took a stance, and he jumped so high
He clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh
Shook his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He danced for those at Minstrel Shows and County Fairs
Throughout the South
And he spoke in tears of 15 years how his dog and him
They traveled about
The dog up and died, he up and died
After 20 years, he still grieves

He said, "I dance now at every chance and Honky Tonks
For drinks and tips
But most of time I spend behind these County bars
'Cause I drink a bit"
And he shook his head now
He shook his head
And I heard someone ask, "Please
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Hey, Mr. Bojangles
Dance"